6 Keys to Mastering Descents

Think Down the Road

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Don’t focus on what’s happening beside you or directly in front of you, because it’s too late to do anything about it anyway. Instead, look at least four or five riders ahead so you have time to react to potholes, gravel or other obstacles. If you’re not riding in a pack, just remember that the faster you’re descending, the farther ahead you should look. A good basic rule is to “double down”—if you’re going 25 mph, look 50 feet down the road. Along with this anticipation comes one of the hardest lessons for any would-be high-speed descender to learn: use the brakes less. Look far enough ahead, and you could avoid trouble without resorting to braking.